Methods and Apparatuses for Operating a Display in an Electronic Device

ABSTRACT

An electronic device can include detectors for altering the presentation of data on one or more displays. In a wearable electronic device, a flexible housing can be configured to enfold about an appendage of a user, such as a user&#39;s wrist. A display can disposed along a major face of the flexible housing. A control circuit can be operable with the display. A gaze detector can be included to detect a gaze direction, and optionally a gaze cone. An orientation detector can be configured to detect an orientation of the electronic device relative to the user. The control circuit can alter a presentation of data on the display in response to a detected gaze direction, in response to detected orientation of the wearable electronic device relative to the user, in response to touch or gesture input, or combinations thereof. Secondary displays can be hingedly coupled to the electronic device.

RELATED REFERENCES

U.S. application Ser. No. 13/297,965, entitled “Display Device,Corresponding Systems, and Methods for Orienting Output on a Display,”with Dickinson, et al. as inventors, which was filed Nov. 16, 2011, isincorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Also, U.S.application Ser. No. 13/297,952, entitled “Methods and Devices forClothing Detection about a Wearable Electronic Device,” with Dickinson,et al. as inventors, which was filed Nov. 16, 2011, is incorporatedherein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This invention relates generally to electronic devices, and moreparticularly to wearable electronic devices.

2. Background Art

Electronic devices, such as mobile telephones, smart phones, gamingdevices, multimedia devices, portable computers, and the like, presentinformation to users on a display. As these devices have become moresophisticated, so too have their displays. For example, not too long agoa mobile phone included only a rudimentary light emitting diode displaycapable of only presenting numbers and letters configured asseven-segment characters. Today, high-resolution liquid crystal andother types of displays, which are included with many portableelectronic devices, have sufficient resolution to render high-definitionvideo.

The display output is generally oriented so as to be aligned withgeometric configuration of the overall device. Said differently, manyelectronic devices have an identifiable top and bottom. Display outputis aligned in a complementary manner, with the top of the display outputappearing towards the identifiable top of the device, and the bottom ofthe display output being aligned with the bottom of the device. Somedevices even allow the display output to be rotated. For example, somedevices have a gravity detector that is configured to rotate the outputbased on a detected gravitational field. Thus, as the device is rotated,the “top” of the output always stays above the bottom of the output.

While rotating display output based on gravity can be useful, it failsto provide suitable display output alignment in all situations. It wouldbe advantageous to have an improved display device with improved displayorientation capabilities

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one explanatory wearable electronic device configuredin accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cut-away view of one explanatory wearableelectronic device configured in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates one explanatory schematic block diagram of a wearableelectronic device configured in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic block diagram of one explanatory wearableelectronic device configured in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates another schematic block diagram of one explanatorywearable electronic device configured in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 6-10 illustrate various examples of display configurationssuitable for use in a wearable electronic device configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates one explanatory embodiment of a wearable electronicdevice having a physically rotatable display configured in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention when the physicallyrotatable display is in a first orientation.

FIG. 12 illustrates one explanatory embodiment of a wearable electronicdevice having a physically rotatable display configured in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention when the physicallyrotatable display is in a second orientation.

FIG. 13 illustrates one explanatory wearable electronic device withactive display portions configured in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a user gazing at one explanatory wearable electronicdevice configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a user gazing at, and gesturing to, one explanatorywearable electronic device configured in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates two users gazing at one explanatory wearableelectronic device configured in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a method and apparatus for altering the presentationof data on a display of a wearable electronic device in response to adetected gaze direction in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a method an apparatus for responding to usergestures in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates another method an apparatus for responding to usergestures in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates another method and apparatus for altering thepresentation of data on a display of a wearable electronic device inresponse to a detected gaze direction in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates a method and apparatus for prioritizing portions ofa display in a wearable electronic device configured in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 22-25 illustrate methods and apparatuses for configuringprioritized portions of a display in a wearable electronic deviceconfigured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 26 illustrates a method an apparatus for responding to usergestures in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 27 illustrates another method an apparatus for responding to usergestures in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 28 illustrates a method and apparatus for configuring prioritizedportions of a display in a wearable electronic device configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 29 illustrates a method and apparatus for rendering a backgroundimage on a display configured in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 30 illustrates a method and apparatus for rendering a backgroundimage on a display configured in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 31 illustrates a method and apparatus with a rotatable display inoperation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 32-34 illustrate various devices having rotatable displays alongwith their rotation mechanisms, each being configured in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 35 illustrates one wearable electronic device in two differentphysical and operational modes in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 36 illustrates an exploded view of one explanatory electronicdevice with separable components configured in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 37 illustrates a schematic block diagram of one explanatoryelectronic device configured in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 38 illustrates one explanatory wearable electronic device havinggesture detection capabilities configured in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 39 illustrates another explanatory wearable electronic devicehaving gesture detection capabilities configured in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 40 illustrates a user wearing two explanatory wearable electronicdevices operating in tandem in accordance with one or more embodimentsof the invention.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with thepresent invention, it should be observed that the embodiments resideprimarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus componentsrelated to altering a presentation orientation of visual indicia on adisplay in response to user gaze, detection, and/or input. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code that include one ormore executable instructions for implementing specific logical functionsor steps in the process. Alternate implementations are included, and itwill be clear that functions may be executed out of order from thatshown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverseorder, depending on the functionality involved. Accordingly, theapparatus components and method steps have been represented whereappropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only thosespecific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments ofthe present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with detailsthat will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of the description herein.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention describedherein may be comprised of one or more conventional processors andunique stored program instructions that control the one or moreprocessors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processorcircuits, some, most, or all of the functions of altering presentationorientations of data presented on a display as described herein. Thenon-processor circuits may include, but are not limited to, a radioreceiver, a radio transmitter, signal drivers, clock circuits, powersource circuits, gesture detectors, touch-sensitive devices, gazedetectors, and user input devices. As such, these functions may beinterpreted as steps of a method to perform presentation orientationalteration and reversion. Alternatively, some or all functions could beimplemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions,or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), inwhich each function or some combinations of certain of the functions areimplemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the twoapproaches could be used. Thus, methods and means for these functionshave been described herein. Further, it is expected that one of ordinaryskill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many designchoices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology,and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principlesdisclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such softwareinstructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

Embodiments of the invention are now described in detail. Referring tothe drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. Asused in the description herein and throughout the claims, the followingterms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includesplural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Relationalterms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be usedsolely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or actionwithout necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationshipor order between such entities or actions. Also, reference designatorsshown herein in parenthesis indicate components shown in a figure otherthan the one in discussion. For example, talking about a device (10)while discussing figure A would refer to an element, 10, shown in figureother than figure A.

From an electrical perspective, embodiments described below provide anelectronic device having a dynamic display system. The display system issuitable for integration into an electronic device, and is configured toalter a presentation orientation of visual output, prioritize displayportions, render images, and so forth. For ease of discussion, oneexplanatory electronic device used in the figures is a wearableelectronic device configured as a wristwatch, strap, or bracelet.However, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art havingthe benefit of this disclosure that the display systems, controlcircuits, and associated modules used to alter the presentationorientation, prioritize displays, or otherwise reconfigured theelectronic device could be integrated into any of a number of portableelectronic devices, including mobile telephones, personal digitalassistants, smart phones, palm-top computers, tablet devices, portablecomputers, and so forth.

The display is configured to present visual output having a presentationorientation. The presentation orientation refers to how the visualoutput is oriented on the display relative to the user, as well as wherethe visual output is located on the display. In some embodiments, thepresentation orientation is configured in response to a detected user'sgaze. In other embodiments, the presentation orientation is configuredin response to a detected orientation of the electronic device relativeto the user's head, body, or torso. A control circuit that is operablewith the display is configured to alter the presentation orientation inresponse to user input, detected gaze direction, orientation of thedevice relative to the user, and so forth.

In some embodiments, the display is further responsive to touch. Forexample, if the display is a touch sensitive display, the user may swipea finger or stylus across the display to further alter the presentationorientation on the display. For instance, a user may be holding atablet-style computer horizontally, with the user's body located on afirst side of the tablet-style computer. An orientation detector in thedevice may be configured to detect an orientation of the device relativeto the user's torso, and may accordingly present data on the display soit is “right side up” for the user. However, a friend may be standingnear the tablet-style computer, with the friend's body being positionedon a second side of the tablet-style computer opposite the first side.When the user wants to show a picture being presented as visual outputfrom the display to the friend that has a “correct” presentationorientation for the friend, the user may make a rotating motion alongthe display to rotate the picture such that the top of the picture,initially disposed towards the friend, rotates 180 degrees to be nearerthe user. In response to this user input, the control circuit alters thepresentation orientation from the initial orientation to a secondorientation, which is rotated 180 degrees from the initial orientation.As an alternative to the rotating motion, in another embodiment, theuser may move a finger or stylus in a linear direction across thedisplay, beginning from a position closer to the user and ending at aposition nearer the friend to alter the presentation orientation fromthe initial orientation to the second orientation.

When the device is a wearable electronic device, it is contemplated thata user would benefit from an easy method to alter the presentationorientation without providing specific, intentional gesture or touchinput. To wit, suppose a user is wearing a wearable electronic device ona wrist like a bracelet. Now suppose that the user needs to show anotherperson information presented on the display, such as a picture, message,phone number, or other data. Ordinarily, the user may have to eitherremove the wearable electronic device or to contort their arm and/orwrist in an awkward manner. To remedy this situation, embodiments of theinvention include gaze detectors, orientation detectors, or combinationsthereof that to prioritize one or more portions of the display inresponse to a detected orientation of the wearable electronic devicerelative to the user and/or alter a presentation of data on the displayin response to a detected gaze direction. These components allow a userto quickly and easily see information, as well as show it to others,without the need of performing awkward contortions. Where multipledisplays or multiple portions of a single display are present on thewearable electronic display, embodiments of the invention providemethods and systems for prioritizing those displays or portions so thatmore prioritized portions present data more relevant to a user. Other,less prioritized portions can present less prioritized information orcan be turned OFF.

Several different features are described in the specification below.These features can be integrated into an electronic device alone or incombination. For example, in one embodiment, a wearable electronicdevice includes a flexible housing configured to enfold about anappendage of a user and a display disposed along a major face of theflexible housing. A gaze detector is then operable with a controlcircuit. The control circuit is then configured to alter a presentationof data on the display in response to a detected gaze direction. Thecontrol circuit can be configured to determine a gaze cone correspondingto the detected gaze direction and, in one embodiment, alter thepresentation of the data by presenting the data on a portion of thedisplay disposed within the gaze cone. The alteration of thepresentation can occur by rotating the data based upon the detected gazedirection, moving the data on the display based upon the detected gazedirection, combinations thereof, or other factors. The rotation can becontinuous, in which the data rotates smoothly like a needle on acompass in one embodiment. In other embodiments, the rotation can bediscrete, with rotational regions or zones being in predefinedincrements, such as 5, 10, or 15 degrees, with the rotation betweenregions being when the user crosses a certain threshold, such as movingat least 5 degrees when the predefined increment is 10 degrees, and soforth. Where the display is touch-sensitive, the control circuit can befurther configured to additionally alter the presentation of the data inresponse to touch input along the touch sensitive display. Theadditional alteration can be in conjunction with the detected gazedetection presentation in one embodiment, or in another embodiment canoverride alteration of the presentation of the data on the display inresponse to the detected gaze direction.

In another embodiment, a wearable electronic device comprises a flexiblehousing configured to enfold about an appendage of a user and a displaydisposed along a major face of the flexible housing. An orientationdetector, which can be an imaging device, an infra-red sensor, anacoustic sensor, or other sensor, is configured to determine a locationof the wearable electronic device relative to the user. Otherorientation detectors can include accelerometers, thermal sensors,gyroscopes, or combinations thereof. The orientation detector candetermine the relative location of the user by detecting the location ofthe user's torso, head, or by detecting gestures to determine upon whatappendage the wearable electronic device is being worn. A controlcircuit, operable with the display and the orientation detector, is thenconfigured to prioritize one or more portions of the display in responseto a detected orientation of the wearable electronic device relative tothe user.

Once prioritized, the control circuit can be configured to treat moreprioritized portions and less prioritized portions differently. Forexample, in one embodiment the control circuit is operable to configurea more prioritized portion of the display with a first appearance and aless prioritized portion of the display with a second appearance. Thefirst appearance and second appearance can be the same, or can bedifferent. For instance, the first appearance can be the moreprioritized portion of the display being ON, while the second appearancecan be the less prioritized portion of the display being in a low power,sleep, or OFF mode. In another embodiment, the first appearance cancorrespond to a first operational mode of the wearable electronicdevice, such as an email presentation mode, while the second appearancecorresponds to a second operational mode of the wearable electronicdevice, such as a music player mode. Where the device is worn on thewrist, radially disposed portions of the display can prioritized aboveulnarly disposed portions of the display such that those disposed abovethe radius, i.e., towards the user, are prioritized above those disposedabove the ulna.

If the wearable electronic device includes both a gaze detector andorientation detector, the control circuit can also be configured todetermine a detected gaze direction of the user and optionally todetermine a gaze cone corresponding to the detected gaze direction. Thecontrol circuit can then prioritize portions of the display disposedwithin the gaze cone as a more prioritized portions of the display andto prioritize other portions of the display disposed outside the gazecone as less prioritized portions of the display.

The control circuit can present data only in the more prioritizedportions of the display. If the display comprises a segmented displayhaving a plurality of individual display devices, a more prioritizedportion of the display can be a first display device of the segmenteddisplay, while a less prioritized portion of the display is at least asecond display device.

In yet another embodiment, a wearable electronic device includes awearable housing, a display disposed along a major face of the wearablehousing, an orientation detector, and a control circuit, operable withthe display and the orientation detector. In this embodiment, thecontrol circuit is configured to activate one or more portions of thedisplay in response to a detected orientation and deactivate otherportions of the display in response to the detected orientation.Accordingly, those facing away from—or otherwise less visible to—theuser can be turned OFF or placed into a low-power mode to conserveenergy. Where represented as a method, the control circuit can beconfigured to execute code stored in a non-transitory computer readablemedium to detect to which side of the wearable electronic device a useris disposed and actuate portions of the display facing the user.Optionally, portions facing away from the user can be turned OFF orotherwise deactuated.

Other embodiments of the invention provide other features. For example,a wearable electronic device can include a wearable housing, a displaydisposed along a major face of the wearable housing, a communicationcircuit, and a control circuit, operable with the display and thecommunication circuit. The control circuit can be configured to receivea display image via the communication circuit and then render thedisplay image as a background image on the display. Accordingly, theuser can configure the wearable electronic device to appear as havingdifferent colors, patterns, and so forth. These patterns and colors canbe changed to match the person's wardrobe or state of mind. In someembodiments, the control circuit can be configured to change thebackground image when a predetermined criterion is met. Examples ofpredetermined criteria causing the display presentation to changeinclude the expiration of a timer, the detected mood of a wearer, and/orthe detected health condition of a wearer. Where the display is touchsensitive, the control circuit can be configured to change presentationwhen an object touches the display.

In one mechanically changeable embodiment, the wearable electronicdevice includes a primary display disposed along a major face of thewearable housing that is configured to alter a physical geometry as thewearable housing bends or flexes. A secondary display can then becoupled to the wearable housing by a hinged connection so as to berotatable relative to the wearable housing to an opened,angularly-displaced orientation. The hinged connection can be preloadedwith a tensioning device configured to open the secondary display fromthe first orientation to the second, angularly displaced orientation.Optionally, the hinged connection can further include a retaining deviceconfigured to oppose preloading of the tensioning device to retain thesecondary display in the first orientation.

In another embodiment, the hinged connection can include a motorconfigured to automatically open the secondary display from the firstorientation to the second, angularly displaced orientation. The motorcan configured to open the secondary display from the first orientationto the second, angularly displaced orientation in response to a deviceevent, such as an incoming telephone call or text message. The controlcircuit can be configured to display data with either continuity betweenthe primary display and the secondary display, such as when thesecondary display is in the first orientation, or alternatively todisplay data with discontinuity between the primary display and thesecondary display when the secondary display is in the second, angularlydisplaced orientation.

Turning now to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is a user 101 wearing anillustrative wearable electronic device 100 configured in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, thewearable electronic device 100 is configured as a bracelet, with aflexible housing that is configured to enfold about an appendage 102 ofthe user 101. The illustrative wearable electronic device 100 of FIG. 1resembles a bracelet, as the appendage 102 about which the wearableelectronic device 100 is wrapped is the wrist. The wearable electronicdevice 100 in this configuration has “radially” disposed portions 103that are disposed atop the radius 104 of the wrist, and thus closer tothe thumb 107, and “ulnarly” disposed portions 105 that are disposedatop the ulna 106, and thus closer to the little finger 108. When theuser 101 holds his arm horizontally, the radially disposed portions 103will be facing the user 101, while the ulnarly disposed portions 105will be disposed away from the user 101.

As will be shown in subsequent figures, the wearable electronic device100 in one embodiment includes a display. The display can be continuousor segmented. One example of a continuous display suitable for use withthe wearable electronic device 100 is a continuous, flexible, organiclight emitting diode display. Such a display can be disposed along amajor face of the flexible housing, and is capable of altering itsphysical geometry as the wearable housing bends or flexes.

Turning now to FIG. 2, illustrated therein is a cut-away view of oneillustrative wearable electronic device 200 configured in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the invention. The wearable electronicdevice 200 is referred to as an “active strap” because it includeselectronic circuitry and power sources for that circuitry. Moreover, itis configured to resemble a traditional watchstrap. As will be shown insubsequent figures, the wearable electronic device 200 can include otherelectronic devices that attach to the wearable electronic device 200. Inthe illustrative embodiment of FIG. 2, the wearable electronic device200 is configured to resemble a strap or bracelet rather than aconventional wristwatch. As will be shown and described, the wearableelectronic device 200 can be configured as a communication device, apersonal digital assistant, a health monitoring device, anexercise-monitoring device, a gaming device, a media player, or anynumber of other devices. It will be clear to those of ordinary skill inthe art having the benefit of this disclosure that the wearableelectronic device 200 can be configured as other devices as well.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 2, the wearable electronic device200 includes a flexible housing 201 configured to enfold about anappendage of a user. The flexible housing 201 can be configured toenfold about a wrist, ankle, or other object. One or more displays canbe disposed along a major face of the wearable electronic device 200. InFIG. 2, two displays 202,203 are disposed along the top major face 204of the wearable electronic device 200. As will be shown in subsequentfigures, the display of the wearable electronic device 200 can be asingle display, segmented display, multiple displays, and so forth. Thedisplays 202,203 are configured to provide visual output, data,information, images, or other visible indicia to a user.

In one embodiment, the displays 202,203 are flexible displays that areconfigured to alter their physical geometry as the flexible housing 201bends or flexes. For example, in one embodiment the displays 202,203comprise flexible, organic light emitting diode displays that can bendand flex with the flexible housing. Alternatively, where the display(s)are segmented displays, portions of the flexible housing 201 linkingeach segment of the display can bend. The segments of the display thenchange their geometry by altering their geometric relationship relativeto each other much in the same way the links of a bracelet change theirgeometric relationship relative to each other when the bracelet iswrapped about a wrist.

The displays 202,203 of FIG. 2 will be disposed along different portionsof the user's appendage when the flexible housing 201 enfolds about thatimage. For example, using the image shown in FIG. 2, presume that thewearable electronic device 200 is to be worn on a user's right wrist.The user would place the wrist beneath the plan view of FIG. 2 with thethumb closer to display 203 and the little finger closer to display 202.Accordingly, when the flexible housing 201 is enfolded about the wrist,display 202 will be disposed above the ulna bone while display 203 isdisposed above the radius. Display 202 is thus “ulnarly disposed” aboutthe appendage of the user, while display 203 is “radially disposed.” Aswill be described below, the displays 202,203 can be prioritized orcontrolled independently in some embodiments. Embodiments describedherein contemplate that it can be advantageous for the user in someembodiments with the radially disposed display is prioritized aboveulnarly disposed displays. However, in other embodiments, such as whenthe user wishes to show data to a friend, it can be advantageous to makethe ulnarly disposed displays take priority over the radially disposeddisplays.

Since the wearable electronic device 200 can be configured as awristband or a wristwatch-type wearable device, flexible displaysdisposed on the wearable electronic device 200 can “wrap” around thewearer's wrist without compromising operational performance. While thedisplay can include non-flexible displays as well, the inclusion offlexible display devices not only increases comfort for the wearer butalso allows the display to be larger as well.

In one embodiment, each display 202,203 comprises a touch-sensitivedisplay. Accordingly, the displays 202,203 can be configured to receiveuser input when an object, such as a stylus or finger, is touching asurface of the display 202,203. For example, if the displays 202,203 aretouch sensitive displays, the user may swipe a finger or stylus acrossthe display to deliver input to the wearable electronic device 200.

In one embodiment, the displays 202,203 each comprise a touch sensor 206to provide touch-sensitive capabilities and to receive user input acrossthe surface of each display 202,203. The displays 202,203 can also beconfigured with a force sensor 207. Where configured with both a touchsensor 206 and force sensor 207, a control circuit 205, operable witheach display 202,203 can determine not only where the user contacts thedisplays 202,203, but also how much force the user employs in contactingthe displays 202,203. Where configured with a force sensor 207 but notouch sensitive capabilities, the displays 202,203 can effectively beused as large “push button” or input controls for the wearableelectronic device 200. In one embodiment, outer lenses of the displays202,203 can be configured with piezoelectric transducers 208 configuredto slightly move the lenses to use the displays 202,203 as acoustictransducers. Actuation of the piezoelectric transducers can cause thelens of the displays 202,203 to vibrate, thereby emitting acousticoutput. An example of a piezo-driven lens speaker is described incommonly assigned, pending U.S. Ser. No. 12/967,208, filed Dec. 14,2010, entitled “A Portable Electronic Device,” which is incorporatedherein by reference.

The touch sensor 206, where included, can comprise a capacitive touchsensor, an infrared touch sensor, or another touch-sensitive technology.Capacitive touch-sensitive devices include a plurality of capacitivesensors, e.g., electrodes, which are disposed along a substrate. Eachcapacitive sensor is configured, in conjunction with associated controlcircuitry, e.g., control circuit 205 or another display specific controlcircuit, to detect an object in close proximity with—or touching—thesurface of the displays 202,203 or, alternatively, the flexible housing201, by establishing electric field lines between pairs of capacitivesensors and then detecting perturbations of those field lines. Theelectric field lines can be established in accordance with a periodicwaveform, such as a square wave, sine wave, triangle wave, or otherperiodic waveform that is emitted by one sensor and detected by another.The capacitive sensors can be formed, for example, by disposing indiumtin oxide patterned as electrodes on the substrate. Indium tin oxide isuseful for such systems because it is transparent and conductive.Further, it is capable of being deposited in thin layers by way of aprinting process. The capacitive sensors may also be deposited on thesubstrate by electron beam evaporation, physical vapor deposition, orother various sputter deposition techniques. For example, commonlyassigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/679,228, entitled“Adaptable User Interface and Mechanism for a Portable ElectronicDevice,” filed Feb. 27, 2007, published as US Published PatentApplication No. US-2008-0204418-A1, which is incorporated herein byreference, describes a touch sensitive display employing a capacitivesensor.

Like the touch sensor 206, the force sensor 207 can take various forms.For example, in one embodiment, the force sensor 207 comprises resistiveswitches or a force switch array configured to detect contact witheither the displays 202,203 or the flexible housing 201 of the wearableelectronic device. An “array” as used herein refers to a set of at leastone switch. The array of resistive switches can function as aforce-sensing layer, in that when contact is made with either thesurface of the displays 202,203 or the flexible housing 201 of thewearable electronic device 200, changes in impedance of any of theswitches may be detected. The array of switches may be any of resistancesensing switches, membrane switches, force-sensing switches such aspiezoelectric switches, or other equivalent types of technology. Inanother embodiment, the force sensor 207 can be capacitive. One exampleof a capacitive force sensor is described in commonly assigned, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/181,923, filed Jul. 29, 2008, publishedas U.S. Pat. No. 7,784,366, which is incorporated herein by reference.In yet another embodiment, piezoelectric transducers 208 can beconfigured to sense force as well. For example, where coupled with thelens of the displays 202,203, the piezoelectric transducers 208 can beconfigured to detect an amount of displacement of the lens to determineforce. The piezoelectric transducers 208 can also be configured todetermine force of contact against the flexible housing 201 of thewearable electronic device 200 rather than the displays 202,203.

In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device 200 includes a controlcircuit 205 operable with one or more of the displays 202,203. Thecontrol circuit 205 can be operable with a memory 209. The controlcircuit 205, which may be any of one or more microprocessors,programmable logic, application specific integrated circuit device, orother similar device, is capable of executing program instructionsassociated with the functions of the wearable electronic device 200,including driving the displays 202,203 and detecting input from a user.The program instructions and methods may be stored either on-board inthe control circuit 205, or in the memory 209, or in other computerreadable media coupled to the control circuit 205, e.g., a memory card.One suitable example for control circuit 205 is the MSM7630 processormanufactured by Qualcomm, Inc. The control circuit 205 may operate oneor more operating systems, such as the Android™ mobile operating systemoffered by Google, Inc. In one embodiment, the memory 209 comprises an8-gigabyte embedded multi-media card (eMMC). The control circuit 205 canbe configured to operate the various functions of the wearableelectronic device 200, and also to execute software or firmwareapplications and modules that can be stored in a computer readablemedium, such as memory 209. The control circuit 205 executes thissoftware or firmware, in part, to provide device functionality. Thememory 209 may include either or both static and dynamic memorycomponents, may be used for storing both embedded code and user data.

A battery 210 or other energy source can be included to provide powerfor the various components of the wearable electronic device 200. In oneor more embodiments, the battery 210 is selectively detachable from thewearable electronic device 200. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG.2, the battery 210 is integrated into the flexible housing 201 of thewearable electronic device 200. Charging circuitry (not shown) can beincluded in the wearable electronic device 200 as well. The chargingcircuitry can include over voltage and over current protection. In oneembodiment, the battery 210 is configured as a flexible lithium polymercell such that it can enfold about the appendage of the wearer when theflexible housing 201 enfolds about the appendage.

One or more microphones 211 can be included to receive voice input,voice commands, and other audio input. A single microphone can beincluded. Optionally, two or more microphones can be included.Piezoelectric devices can be configured to both receive input from theuser and deliver haptic feedback to the user.

Turning now to FIG. 3, the principle components of the wearableelectronic device 200 are shown. The control circuit 205 is shown beingoperable with the displays 202,203 and memory 209 as noted above. Otherdevices from FIG. 2, such as microphone (211), touch sensor (206), etc.,are collectively shown as block 302.

As shown in FIG. 3, in one embodiment the wearable electronic deviceincludes a detector 301 configured to detect relationships between theuser and the wearable electronic device 200. The detected relationshipinformation can be used by the control circuit 205 to do many things:prioritize displays, control the presentation of data on the displays,alter the presentation of data on the displays, and other functions. Inone embodiment, the detector 301 comprises a gaze detector 306. Inanother embodiment, the detector 301 comprises an orientation detector305. In another embodiment, the detector 301 comprises a combinationorientation and gaze detector.

Where the detector 301 comprises an orientation detector, theorientation detector is configured to detect a physical and/or spatialorientation of the wearable electronic device 200 relative to the user.The orientation detector can take a number of forms.

In one embodiment, the orientation detector comprises a light sensorconfigured to detect changes in optical intensity, color, light, orshadow in the near vicinity of the wearable electronic device 200. Forexample, the light sensor can be configured as an imaging device thatcaptures successive images about the device and compares luminousintensity, color, or other spatial variations between images to detectmotion or the presence of an object, such as the user, near the wearableelectronic device 200. Such sensors can be useful in determining atwhich side of the wearable electronic device 200 a user is standing.

In another embodiment, the orientation detector can comprise an infraredsensor. The infrared sensor can be used in conjunction with, or in placeof, the light sensor. The infrared sensor can be configured to operatein a similar manner, but on the basis of infrared radiation rather thanvisible light. The light sensor and/or infrared sensor can also be usedto detect gesture commands, which can be used to determine theorientation of the user relative to the wearable electronic device. Theorientation of the wearable electronic device 200 relative to the usercan be detected from a light-sensed user action or an infrared-senseduser action, such as movement of the user's body, hands, or limbs awayfrom the wearable electronic device 200.

In another embodiment, the orientation detector can comprise anaccelerometer. The accelerometer can be configured to determine theorientation of the wearable electronic device 200 relative to the userby detecting motion of the wearable electronic device 200. For example,a user wearing the wearable electronic device 200 on the right hand canonly make certain types of gestures due to the way that the right arm islinked to the torso. These motions are distinct from those made by theleft arm due to the complementary connection of the left arm to thetorso as compared to the right. The accelerometer can be used todetermine the location of the user relative to the wearable electronicdevice 200 by detecting a series of gestures and deducing upon whichappendage the wearable electronic device 200 is being worn. Theaccelerometer can also be used to determine the spatial orientation ofthe wearable electronic device 200 in three-dimensional space bydetecting a gravitational direction. In addition to, or instead of, theaccelerometer, an electronic compass can be included to detect thespatial orientation of the wearable electronic device 200 relative tothe earth's magnetic field. Similarly, one or more gyroscopes can beincluded to detect rotational motion of the wearable electronic device200. The gyroscope can be used to determine the spatial rotation of thewearable electronic device 200 in three-dimensional space. User inputcan be received by these devices by detecting gestures, such as movementof a body part to which the wearable electronic device 200 is connected.

In another embodiment, the detector 301 comprises one or moremicrophones. The microphones can be included to receive voice input,voice commands, and other audio input. A single microphone can beincluded. Optionally, two or more microphones can be included. Soundsreceived by the microphones can be used to determine the location of theuser relative to the wearable electronic device 200. The orientationdetector can also comprise any of an audio sensor, an infrared sensor, athermal sensor, a an imager, or combinations thereof.

In one or more embodiments, rather than simply detecting the orientationof the wearable electronic device 200 relative to the user, the detector301 is capable of determining more specific information about the user.For example, in one embodiment the detector 301 comprises a gazedetector configured to detect a gaze direction from the user.

Gaze detectors are known in the art. Examples are provided, e.g., inU.S. Pat. No. 5,912,721 to Yamaguchi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,331,929 toMorita et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,460,150 to Coughlan et al., US PublishedPatent Application No. 2007/0162922 to Park, and US Published PatentApplication No. 2010/0079508 to Hodge et al., Akira Tomono, FumioKishino, Sachio Kobayashi, “Attempt of Pupil Extraction and GazeDetector Permitting Head Movements,” Transaction of Institute ofElectronics and Communication Engineers of Japan (D) Vol. J76-D-II, No.3, pp. 636-646 (1993), Published Unexamined Japanese Patent Application(JPA) No. 4-49943 (04049943), “Non-Intrusive Gaze Tracking UsingArtificial Neural Network”, Shumeet Baluja, Dean Pomerleau, Advances inNeural Information Processing systems 6 Cowan J. D, Tesauro, G. &Alspector, J. (eds) Morgan Kaufman Publishers, 1994, each of which isincorporated herein by reference. The cited references are illustrativeof the state of the art only, as numerous other references describinggaze detectors are known in the art.

Generally speaking, gaze detectors comprise sensors for detecting theuser's gaze point. They can optionally include sensors for detecting thealignment of a user's head in three-dimensional space. Electronicsignals can then be delivered from the sensors to the control circuit205 for computing the direction of user's gaze in three-dimensionalspace. The gaze detector can further be configured to detect a gaze conecorresponding to the detected gaze direction, which is a field of viewwithin which the user may easily see without diverting their eyes orhead from the detected gaze direction. The gaze detectors can beconfigured to alternately estimate gaze direction by inputting to thecontrol circuit 205 images representing a photograph of a selected areanear or around the eyes. It will be clear to those of ordinary skill inthe art having the benefit of this disclosure that these techniques areexplanatory only, as other modes of detecting gaze direction can besubstituted in the detector 301 of FIG. 3.

As will be described below in further detail, the control circuit 205can use the detector to alter the presentation of data on the displays202,203,303. Where the detector 301 comprises a gaze detector, thecontrol circuit 205 can be configured to alter a presentation of data onthe displays 202,203,303 in response to a detected gaze direction. Wherethe detector 301 comprises an orientation detector, the control circuit205 can be configured to prioritize one or more portions of the displays202,203,303 in response to a detected orientation of the wearableelectronic device 200 relative to the user.

Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated therein are additional components,modules, and circuit elements that can be included in embodiments of thewearable electronic device 200. Some of the components shown in FIG. 4have been described above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and thus donot require additional discussion with reference to FIG. 4. It will beclear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure that the components and modules can be used in differentcombinations, with some components and modules included and othersomitted. For altering the presentation orientation of visual outputpresented on the display 203, the components of the display system caninclude a control circuit 205 and the display 203. The other componentsor modules can be included or excluded based upon need or application.

A touch sensor 412, which as noted above can be operable with thedisplay 203, can include a capacitive touch sensor, an infrared touchsensor, piezoelectric touch sensor, resistive touch sensor, or anothertouch-sensitive technology. As also noted above, capacitivetouch-sensitive devices include a plurality of capacitive sensors, e.g.,electrodes, which are disposed along a substrate. Each capacitive sensoris configured, in conjunction with associated control circuitry todetect an object in close proximity with—or touching—the surface of thedisplay 203 or the flexible housing 201 of the wearable electronicdevice 200 by establishing electric field lines between pairs ofcapacitive sensors and then detecting perturbations of those fieldlines. The electric field lines can be established in accordance with aperiodic waveform, such as a square wave, sine wave, triangle wave, orother periodic waveform that is emitted by one sensor and detected byanother. The capacitive sensors can be formed, for example, by disposingindium tin oxide patterned as electrodes on the substrate. Indium tinoxide is useful for such systems because it is transparent andconductive.

The wearable electronic device 200 can include a mobile communicationcircuit 413 to provide wide area communication capabilities. Whereincluded, the mobile communication circuit 413 is operable with thecontrol circuit 205, and is used to facilitate electronic communicationwith various networks, such as cellular networks, data networks, or theInternet. Note that it is possible to combine the control circuit 205,the memory 209, and the mobile communication circuit 413 into a singledevice or into devices having fewer parts while retaining thefunctionality of the constituent parts.

The mobile communication circuit 413, which may be one of a receiver ortransmitter, and may alternatively be a transceiver, operates inconjunction with the control circuit 205 to electronically communicatethrough a communication network. For example, in one embodiment, themobile communication circuit 413 can configured to communicate through atraditional cellular network, such as a Code Division Multiple Access(CDMA) network or Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) network.Other examples of networks with which the communication circuit maycommunicate include Push-to-Talk (PTT) networks, proprietary networks,dual band CDMA networks, or Dual Band Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS) networks, and direct communicationnetworks. The mobile communication circuit 413 can be configured toprovide messaging functionality to the wearable electronic device 200.In one or more embodiments, the wearable electronic device 200 cancommunicate with one or more social networking applications through themobile communication circuit 413 as well. News feeds and other data canbe received through the mobile communication circuit 413. Moreover,context and location sensitive notifications can be sent and receivedvia the mobile communication circuit 413.

The battery 210 or other energy source can be included to provide powerfor the various components of the wearable electronic device 200. Whilea battery 210 is shown in FIG. 4, it will be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure thatother energy storage deices can be used instead of the battery 210,including a fuel container or an electrochemical capacitor. The battery210 can be a lithium ion technology or a nickel metal hydridetechnology, such cells having reasonably large energy capacity, wideoperating temperature range, large number of charging cycles, and longuseful life. Other energy sources that can be used in place of battery210 are fuel cells, Stirling engines, and microturbines. The battery 210may also include over voltage and over current protection and chargingcircuitry. In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device 200includes two batteries. In one embodiment, the battery 210 is configuredas an 800 mAh lithium polymer cell. The battery 210 can be configured todeliver energy to electronic components, e.g., the control circuit 205,memory 209, display 203, etc., each of which is disposed only within thecentral housing of the wearable electronic device 200.

As noted above, one or more microphones 211 can be included to receivevoice input, voice commands, and other audio input. A single microphonecan be included. Optionally, two or more microphones can be included forselective beam steering. For example a first microphone can be locatedon a first side 430 of the wearable electronic device 200 for receivingaudio input from a first direction. Similarly, a second microphone canbe placed on a second side 431 of the wearable electronic device 200 forreceiving audio input from a second direction. In response to thedetector (301) the control circuit 205 can then select between the firstmicrophone and the second microphone to beam steer audio receptiontoward the user. Alternatively, the control circuit 205 processes andcombines the signals from two or more microphones to perform beamsteering. The one or more microphones 211 can be used for voicecommands. When altering the presentation orientation of informationpresented on the display, the one or more microphones 211 can beconfigured to be responsive to the control circuit 205. Accordingly, thecontrol circuit 205 can switch between microphones upon altering thepresentation orientation in response to the user input.

A near field communication circuit 407 can be included for communicationwith local area networks. Examples of suitable near field communicationcircuits include Bluetooth communication circuits, IEEE 801.11communication circuits, infrared communication circuits, magnetic fieldmodulation circuits, and Wi-Fi circuits.

A global positioning system device 408 can be included for determiningwhere the wearable electronic device 200 is located. (Note that theglobal positioning system device 408 can also be used as the detector(301) to determine the spatial orientation of the wearable electronicdevice 200 in three-dimensional space by determining the change inposition of the device relative to the earth.) The global positioningsystem device 408 is configured, in one embodiment, for communicatingwith a constellation of earth orbiting satellites or a network ofterrestrial base stations to determine an approximate location. Examplesof satellite positioning systems suitable for use with embodiments ofthe present invention include, among others, the Navigation System withTime and Range (NAVSTAR) Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in the UnitedStates of America, the Global Orbiting Navigation System (GLONASS) inRussia, and other similar satellite positioning systems. The satellitepositioning systems based location fixes of the global positioningsystem device 408 autonomously or with assistance from terrestrial basestations, for example with assistance from a cellular communicationnetwork or other ground based network, or as part of a DifferentialGlobal Positioning System (DGPS), as is well known by those havingordinary skill in the art. While a global positioning system device 408is one example of a location determination module, it will be clear tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosurethat other location determination devices, such as electronic compassesor gyroscopes, could be used as well.

A user interface 409 can be included. As noted above, in one embodiment,the display 203 is configured as a touch sensitive display, andaccordingly functions as a user interface in and of itself. However,some applications will be better served with additional user interfacecomponents as well. The user interface 409, where included, can beoperable with the control circuit 205 to deliver information to, andreceive information from, a user. The user interface 409 can include akeypad, navigation devices, joysticks, rocker switches, slider pads,buttons, or other controls, and optionally a voice or touch commandinterface. These various components can be integrated together.

In one or more embodiments, the wearable electronic device can includeone or more wellness sensors 434. Where the wearable electronic device200 is configured as a wellness device, or is capable of operating in ahealth monitoring mode or physical safety device, one or more wellnesssensors 434 can be included as well. Examples of wellness sensors aredescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/396,621, filed Mar. 24,2003, published as U.S. Pat. No. 7,215,991, which is incorporated hereinby reference.

For example, a heart monitor 416 can be configured to employ EKG orother sensors to monitor a user's heart rate. The heart monitor 416 caninclude electrodes configured to determine action potentials from theskin of a user. A temperature monitor 417 can be configured to monitorthe temperature of a user. A pulse monitor 418 can be configured tomonitor the user's pulse. The pulse monitor 418 lends itself to thewristwatch configuration of the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1because the wrist serves as an advantageous location from which tomeasure a person's pulse.

A moisture detector 419 can be configured to detect the amount ofmoisture present on a person's skin. The moisture detector 419 can berealized in the form of an impedance sensor that measures impedancebetween electrodes. As moisture can be due to external conditions, e.g.,rain, or user conditions, perspiration, the moisture detector 419 canfunction in tandem with ISFETS configured to measure pH or amounts ofNaOH in the moisture or a galvanic sensor 420 to determine not only theamount of moisture, but whether the moisture is due to external factors,perspiration, or combinations thereof.

The medical history of a user, as well as the determinations made by thevarious wellness sensors 434, can be stored in a medical profile 421.Periodic updates can be made to the medical profile 421 as well. Themedical profile 421 can be a module operable with the control circuit205. Such modules can be configured as sets of instructions stored inthe memory 209 that are usable by the control circuit 205 to execute thevarious wellness-monitoring functions of the wearable electronic device200. Alternatively, the modules could be configured in hardware, such asthrough programmable logic. The wellness sensors 434 shown in FIG. 4 areillustrative only. Embodiments of the present invention may use variouscombinations of wellness sensors 434, including subsets of the wellnesssensors 434 shown in FIG. 4. Further, other modules may be added tofurther increase device functionality. The wellness sensors 434 can beused to provide the user with a sensor-based health and wellness dataassessment. The wellness sensors 434 can be used in conjunction with themedical profile 421 to provide context sensitive recommendations on thedisplay 203.

Turning to FIG. 5, to demonstrate that the various modules andcomponents can be used in different combinations, another wearableelectronic device 500 is shown. The wearable electronic device 500 ofFIG. 5 has two displays 502,503, while the wearable electronic device(200) of FIGS. 2-4 included three. The wearable electronic device 500 ofFIG. 5 also includes a subset of components when compared to thewearable electronic device (200) of FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 5, the wearable electronic device 500 includes acontrol circuit 505. The control circuit 505 can be operable with amemory 559. The control circuit 505, which may be any of one or moremicroprocessors, programmable logic, application specific integratedcircuit device, or other similar device, is capable of executing programinstructions associated with the functions of the wearable electronicdevice 500.

The wearable electronic device 500 of FIG. 5 includes two displays502,503. The display 502,503 of this embodiment comprises flexibledisplay devices. Since the wearable electronic device 500 can beconfigured as a wristband for a wristwatch-type wearable device,flexible displays 502,503 disposed on the wearable electronic device 500can “wrap” around the wearer's wrist without compromising operationalperformance. While the displays 502,503 can include non-flexibledisplays as well, the inclusion of flexible display devices not onlyincreases comfort for the wearer but also allows the displays 502,503 tobe larger as well. The displays 502,503 can be configured to be touchsensitive also, thereby allowing the displays 502,503 to be used as acontrol input. The display is configured to provide visual output,images, or other visible indicia to a user.

A battery 510 or other energy source can be included to provide powerfor the various components of the wearable electronic device 500. In oneor more embodiments, the battery 510 is selectively detachable from thewearable electronic device 500. Charging circuitry 550 can be includedin the wearable electronic device 500 as well. The charging circuitry550 can include over voltage and over current protection. In oneembodiment, the battery 510 is configured as a flexible lithium polymercell.

One or more microphones 511 can be included to receive voice input,voice commands, and other audio input. A single microphone can beincluded. Optionally, two or more microphones can be included forselective beam steering. A first microphone can be located on a firstside of the wearable electronic device 500 for receiving audio inputfrom a first direction, while a second microphone can be placed on asecond side of the wearable electronic device 500 for receiving audioinput from a second direction. In response to a sensor, perhaps part ofa detector 551, a user location direction can be determined. The controlcircuit 505 can then select between the first microphone and the secondmicrophone to beam steer audio reception toward the user. Alternatively,the control circuit 505 can employ a weighted combination of themicrophones to beam steer audio reception toward the user.

A near field communication circuit 507 can be included for communicationwith local area networks. A global positioning system device 508 can beincluded for determining location information. One or more audio outputdevices 509 can be included to deliver audio output to a user. Wheredesired, one or more wellness sensors 534 can be included as well. Asdescribed above, the wellness sensors 534 can include a heart monitor,moisture detector, temperature monitor, pulse monitor, galvanic devices,and so forth.

The display devices used with wearable electronics can take a variety offorms. Turning now to FIGS. 6-10, illustrated therein are explanatoryembodiments of displays that can be used in accordance with embodimentsof the invention. For example, in FIG. 6, the display 603 comprises asingle, unitary, flexible, organic light emitting diode display. In FIG.7, the display comprises two unitary, flexible, organic light emittingdiode displays 702,703.

In FIG. 8, two unitary, flexible, organic light emitting diode displays802,803 are used with a third, rigid display 801. This configurationresembles a wristwatch with the rigid display 801 serving as the watchface, while displays 802,803 provide flexible displays that wrap aboutthe wrist.

In FIG. 9, the display device comprises a segmented display comprising aplurality of individual display devices, e.g., display devices901,902,903. Each display device 901,902,903 is individual and can beseparately controlled from the others. In one embodiment, each displaydevice 901,902,903 has an associated buffer of presentation informationthat can be updated as necessary by the control circuit. In one or moreembodiments, the control circuit is capable of selectively turning thedisplay devices 901,902,903 OFF and ON. In other embodiments, thecontrol circuit can turn some display devices 901,903 ON, while placingother display devices 902 in a low power or sleep mode. FIG. 10illustrates another segmented display with individual display devices1001,1002,1003 resembling links of a bracelet.

Turning now to FIGS. 11 and 12, illustrated therein is a wearableelectronic device 1100 having a physically moveable display. As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, the wearable electronic device 1100 includes a primarydisplay 1102 disposed along a major face of the wearable housing 1101.In this embodiment, the primary display 1102 is flexible and is thusconfigured to alter its physical geometry as the wearable housing 1101bends or flexes. In alternate embodiments, the primary display 1102 canbe configured as a segmented display where the individual segments ordevices change physical orientation with reference to each other whenthe wearable housing 1101 flexes or bends, even if the individualsegments or devices are themselves not flexible.

The wearable electronic device 1100 also includes a secondary display1103 that is coupled to the wearable housing 1101 by a hinged connection(not shown because it is disposed beneath the secondary display 1103).The hinged connection allows the secondary display 1103 to bemechanically rotatable relative to the wearable housing 1101.

The hinged connection allows the secondary display 1103 to rotatebetween at least a first orientation relative to the wearable housing1101, shown in FIG. 11, and a second, angularly displaced orientation1201 relative to the wearable housing 1101, shown in FIG. 12. In thisillustrative embodiment, the first orientation occurs where the longerside 1104 of the secondary display 1103 is substantially parallel withthe wearable housing 1101, while the second, angularly displacedorientation 1201 occurs where the longer side 1104 is substantiallyorthogonal with the wearable housing 1101. In one or more embodiments,mechanical detents can be included in the hinged connection so that thesecondary display 1103 can be rotated to selective angular relationshipsrelative to the wearable housing 1101. Additionally, frictional elementscan be incorporated into the hinged connection to allow the user toselect the angle between the secondary display 1103 and the wearablehousing 1101.

The hinged connection can be preloaded with a tensioning device, such asa spring, and configured to open the secondary display 1103 from thefirst orientation to the second, angularly displaced orientation 1201with assistance from the tensioning device. In one embodiment, the usermay initiate rotation of the secondary display 1103, with the tensioningdevice carrying out the remainder of the rotation. A retaining device,such as a magnet or mechanical coupling, can be configured to opposepreloading of the tensioning device to retain the secondary display 1103in the first orientation.

In one embodiment, the hinged connection includes a motor configured toautomatically open the secondary display 1103 from the first orientationto the second, angularly displaced orientation 1201. The motor can beconfigured to open the secondary display 1103 from the first orientationto the second, angularly displaced orientation 1201 in response to adevice event, such as an incoming telephone call, text message,multimedia message, or alert.

In one or more embodiments, the wearable electronic device 1100 caninclude a control circuit operable with the primary display 1102 and thesecondary display 1103. The control circuit can be configured to displaydata with continuity between the primary display 1102 and the secondarydisplay 1103 when the secondary display 1103 is in the firstorientation. For instance, if the sentence “the quick red fox jumpedover the lazy brown dog” is presented on the displays 1102,1103, aportion of the sentence can appear on the primary display 1102, whileanother portion of the sentence appears on the secondary display 1103.The two portions can align so the sentence appears as if presented on asingle, unitary display. The control circuit can be configured todisplay data with discontinuity between the primary display 1102 and thesecondary display 1103 when the secondary display 1103 is in the second,angularly displaced orientation 1201. For example, the sentence “thequick red fox jumped over the lazy brown dog” is presented on theprimary display 1102, while a photograph of a dog and fox appears on thesecondary display 1103.

Now that the various components of various systems have been described,a few use cases will assist in making operational features of variousembodiments more clear. Beginning with FIG. 13, a user 1301 is shownwearing one explanatory wearable electronic device 1300 configured inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. In thisillustrative embodiment, the wearable electronic device includes threedisplays 1302,1303,1331. Two displays 1302,1303 are flexible displaysand are disposed along a major face of a wearable housing 1332, whilethe third display 1331, also disposed on the major face of the wearablehousing 1332, is rigid. As shown in FIG. 13, all three displays1302,1303,1331 are ON.

The wearable electronic device 1300 is also equipped with a gazedetector configured to detect a gaze direction from the user 1301. Acontrol circuit, operable with the gaze detector, is configured to altera presentation of data on one or more of the displays 1302,1303,1331 inresponse to a detected gaze direction.

Turning to FIG. 14, the user 1301 is gazing at the wearable electronicdevice 1300. The gaze detector of the wearable electronic device isoperable to detect a gaze direction 1401 associated with the user'sgaze. When this occurs, the control circuit of the wearable electronicdevice 1300 is configured to alter the presentation of data on thedisplays of the wearable electronic device 1300. In this illustrativeembodiment, display (1302) has been turned OFF, as has a portion ofdisplay 1331. Display 1303 is ON, and is presenting information to theuser. Note that display 1303 is the display oriented closest to the user1301, and is therefore the most easily seen. Advantageously, embodimentsof the invention are able to present information to the user in responseto detected gaze direction 1401, which means that the user 1301 caneasily view the information without twisting or turning the wrist.

In this illustrative embodiment, the gaze detector of the wearableelectronic device is also operable to determine a gaze cone 1402 thatcorresponds to the gaze direction 1401. The gaze detector can do this ina variety of ways. In one embodiment, the gaze detector estimates thegaze cone from average gaze cone data stored in the memory. In anotherembodiment, the gaze cone size is user definable. In yet anotherembodiment, the gaze detector captures image data of the user 1301 andcalculates a gaze cone based upon distance from the wearable electronicdevice, user eyelid and pupil information, and other information.

Regardless of determination method, when the gaze detector is operableto determine the gaze cone 1402, the control circuit can be configuredto alter the presentation of data on the display by presenting data onportions of the display disposed only within the gaze cone 1402. Thishas been done in FIG. 14. All of display 1303 and a portion of display1331 are disposed within the gaze cone 1402. Accordingly, these portionsare presenting data while other portions of the displays of the wearableelectronic device 1300 are turned OFF. There are, of course, other waysin which the presentation of information can be altered in response todetected gaze direction or detected gaze cone. For example, the controlcircuit can be operable to alter the presentation of the data by one ofrotating the data based upon the detected gaze direction, moving thedata on the display based upon the detected gaze direction, orcombinations thereof. Other presentation alteration techniques will beobvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

Turning to FIG. 15, in one or more embodiments, the displays(1302,1303,1332) of the wearable electronic device 1300 are touchsensitive. In such embodiments, when the user touches the displays(1302,1303,1332), the touch input can be used in conjunction withdetected gaze information to further alter the presentation ofinformation on the display. In one embodiment, the control circuit isfurther configured to additionally alter the presentation of the data inresponse to touch input along the touch sensitive display. This is whatis occurring in illustrative FIG. 15—the control circuit has reduced thesize of the presented data to only a portion 1502 of display (1303) inresponse to the touch input 1501. In other embodiments, when touch input1501 is received, the control circuit can be configured to override anyalteration of the presentation of the data on the display (1303) thathas occurred in response to the detected gaze direction.

Turning now to FIG. 16, a second user 1601 has entered the scene. Thesecond user 1601 may be a friend or co-worker of user 1301. In oneembodiment, the user 1301 can program the control circuit to beresponsive to others, or alternatively, non-responsive to others. Forinstance, the user 1301 may configure the device to be responsive tothird parties when touch input is received. This feature allows the user1301 to turn third party responsiveness ON and OFF. When, for example,reading private information, the user 1301 may want third partyresponsiveness to be OFF. However, when showing pictures, the user 1301may want third party responsiveness to be ON.

In this illustrative embodiment, the user 1301 has programmed thecontrol circuit to be responsive to third parties. Accordingly, when thesecond user 1601 approaches, the control circuit is operable to detectthe gaze direction 1602, and optionally a gaze cone 1603 correspondingto the gaze direction 1602, from the second user 1601. The controlcircuit can then alter the presentation of data on the displays. In thisexample, the control circuit does thin by turning on display 1302.

Turning now to FIG. 17, illustrated therein is a method, suitable for anelectronic device, for altering the presentation of data, content,information, images, or other objects on a display in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention. As shown at step 1701, adisplay 1773 of an electronic device is configured to provide data 1774as visual output having a presentation orientation associated therewith.The presentation orientation of step 1701 is initially that ofdisplaying continuous information horizontally across the display 1773.

At step 1702, the control circuit of the electronic device is configuredto alter 1775 the presentation of the data 1774 on the display 1773 inresponse to a detected gaze direction 1776. As noted above, thealteration can take a variety of forms. It can include rotating the data1774 based upon the detected gaze direction 1776, moving the data 1774on the display based upon the detected gaze direction, or combinationsthereof. In this embodiment, the alteration includes both rotation andtranslation.

At optional step 1703, the control circuit of the electronic device isconfigured to determine a gaze cone 1777 corresponding to the detectedgaze direction 1776. When this occurs, the control circuit can alter thepresentation of the data 1774 by presenting the data 1774 on a portion1778 of the display 1773 disposed within the gaze cone 1777.

Turning to FIG. 18, step 1801 can occur where the display 1773 is atouch-sensitive display. The display 1773 can receive touch input 1881along a portion of the display 1773 at step 1801. At step 1802, thecontrol circuit can additionally alter the presentation of the data 1774in response to touch input 1881 along the touch sensitive display 1773.As shown in this illustrative embodiment, the control circuit haspresented additional data 1874 at a location corresponding to the touchinput 1881, which is beneath the touch input 1881 in this example.

In FIG. 18, the alteration of the presentation of the data 1774 is afunction of three elements: detected gaze direction 1776, detected gazecone 1771, and touch input 1881. While this is one viable embodiment, inother embodiments these elements can take priority over each other.Detected gaze direction 1776 can take priority over touch input 1881, orvice versa. Detected gaze cone 1771 can take priority over touch input1881, or vice versa.

One example of this is shown in FIG. 19. Turning to FIG. 19, in thisexample, the control circuit is configured to override an alteration ofthe presentation of the data 1774 that has occurred in response to thedetected gaze direction 1776 on the display 1773. This occurs asfollows: at step 1901, the control circuit detects touch input 1881 onthe display 1773. At step 1902, the control circuit overrides prior datapresentation alteration by moving the data 1774 from the portion 1778 ofthe display 1773 corresponding to the gaze cone 1777 to a locationcorresponding to the touch input 1881.

Turning now to FIG. 20, illustrated therein are method stepscorresponding to the use case described above with reference to FIG. 16.At step 2001, the control circuit is configured to optionally detect thegaze direction 2076 from another user. At step 2002, the control circuitis configured to alter the presentation of the data 1774 in response tothe additionally detected gaze direction 2076. The control circuit canalso be configured to detect a gaze cone 2084 that corresponds to theadditionally detected gaze direction 2076. In this illustrativeembodiment, the control circuit is configured to present additional data2074 in a portion 2078 of the display 1773 that corresponds to theadditionally detected gaze direction 2076. Other alterations of thepresentation of the data 1774 will be obvious to those of ordinary skillin the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

As noted above, detected gaze direction or gaze cone is but one way toalter the presentation of data on a display. Not all electronic deviceswill lend themselves to the use of gaze detectors. Economic factors,manufacturing factors, and other external factors may result in the useof a gaze detector being impractical in some embodiments. For instance,a particular electronic device manufacturer may want to include gazedetectors in luxury products, while offering more basic options innon-luxury products.

Embodiments of the present invention contemplate that devices other thangaze detectors can be used as inputs for altering the presentation ofdata on a display. For example, in some embodiments, rather than using agaze detector, the electronic device will use an orientation detector todetect the physical and geometric orientation of the electronic devicerelative to the user. As noted above, the orientation detector can be ofan accelerometer, an audio sensor, an infrared sensor, a thermal sensor,a gyroscope, an imager, or combinations thereof. For example, where theorientation detector is an imaging device or camera, the orientationdetector can not only detect an orientation of the electronic devicerelative to the user, but also relative to the ground by capturingimages and detecting image data corresponding to the user, the horizon,or both. Other orientation detectors will be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 20, illustrated therein are the steps of a methodfor using an orientation detector in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention. At step 2101, an electronic device 2100has three displays 2171,2172,2173. The electronic device 2100 is in adefault mode, with data 2174 being presented only on display 2172.Optionally, displays 2171,2173 can be turned OFF or placed in alow-power or sleep mode. In one embodiment, displays 2171,2173 areconfigured to present soothing background images or wallpaper when notpresenting data. These soothing background images or wallpaper can beuser definable in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the soothingbackground images or wallpaper can be automatically selected based upondetected environmental conditions. For example, an imaging device of theelectronic device 2100 may take pictures of the user's clothing. Thecontrol circuit of the electronic device 2100 may then choose wallpaperimages that complement the user's clothing. This is but one example ofhow soothing background images or wallpaper can be selected. Others willbe obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure.

At step 2102, an orientation detector of the electronic device 2100detects an orientation of the electronic device 2100 relative to theuser. In one embodiment, the control circuit of the electronic device2100 is then configured to prioritize one or more portions of thedisplay in response to a detected orientation 2176 of the electronicdevice 2100 relative to the user. Said differently, the orientationdetector detects to which side of the wearable electronic device a useris disposed.

Prioritization can occur in a variety of ways. As noted above, where theelectronic device 2100 is a wearable electronic device configured toenfold about the wrist of the user, radially disposed portions of thedisplay are prioritized above ulnarly disposed portions of the display.In a more basic embodiment, portions of the display disposed closer tothe detected orientation 2176 can be prioritized over portions of thedisplay disposed farther from the detected orientation 2176. In theillustrative embodiment of FIG. 21, at step 2102 the control circuitprioritizes display 2171 with the highest priority because it is closestto the detected orientation 2176. Display 2172 is the next highestprioritized display because it is next closest to the detectedorientation 2176. Display 2173 is the least prioritized display becauseit is farthest from the detected orientation 2176.

When the display comprises a segmented display comprising a plurality ofindividual display devices as shown above in FIG. 9, a more prioritizedportion of the display can comprise a first display device of thesegmented display, while a less prioritized portion of the display cancomprises at least a second display device. Where the display is asingle, flexible display, more on the other hand, more prioritizedportions of the display can comprise partial sections or portions of thesingle, flexible display, while less prioritized portions can compriseother partial sections, portions, or areas of the display. Where, as inFIG. 21, the display comprises three displays 2171,2172,2713, moreprioritized portions can be a first display, e.g., display 2171, or aportion of a first display, while less prioritized portions can be asecond display, e.g., display 2173, or portions of the second display,where the first display and second display are separate and distinctfrom each other. Combinations of the above can also be used in theprioritization architecture.

At step 2103, the control circuit of the electronic device 2100 isoperable to configure a more prioritized portion of the display with afirst appearance and a less prioritized portion of the display with asecond appearance. As shown at step 2103, display 2171 has beenconfigured with a first appearance 2184, while display 2173 has beenconfigured with a second appearance 2194. In this illustrativeembodiment, the first appearance 2184 and the second appearance 2194 aredifferent, although in other embodiments they can be the same.

The first appearance 2184 and the second appearance 2194 can take avariety of forms. Turning briefly to FIG. 22, in one embodiment, thedifference in appearance is the difference between a display being ONand OFF (or in a low-power or sleep mode). For example, in oneembodiment the first appearance 2184 comprises the more prioritizedportion of the display being ON, while the second appearance 2194comprises the less prioritized portion of the display being OFF or in alow-power or sleep mode. Accordingly, display 2171 can be turned ON,while display 2172 is turned OFF. Said differently, in one embodimentthe control circuit can be configured to actuate portions of the displayfacing the user and deactuate portions of the display facing away fromthe user.

In other embodiments, the first appearance 2184 and second appearance2194 can be different. Turning briefly to FIG. 24, the first appearance2184 can correspond to a first operational mode of the electronic device2100, while the second appearance 2194 can correspond to a secondoperational mode of the electronic device 2100. For example, the firstappearance 2184 presented on display 2171 can be an email application,while the second appearance 2194 presented on display 2173 is amultimedia player. The operational modes can be user definable, suchthat a particular portion of the display or display device can beconfigured to enter a predetermined operational mode upon theorientation detector detecting a detected orientation 2176.

Turning briefly to FIG. 23, in another embodiment, the first appearance2184 can be the presentation of private information, while the secondappearance 2194 is the presentation of public information. For example,the first appearance 2184 presented on display 2171 can be a textmessage sent from a friend, while the second appearance 2194 presentedon display 2173 is a publicly available stock quote.

In yet another embodiment, the control circuit can be operable topresent data only in the more prioritized portions of the display.Illustrating by example, and turning briefly to FIG. 25, the controlcircuit may present data 2575 only on display 2171, while leavingdisplay 2173 blank. The portion 2571 of display 2171 upon which the data2575 is presented can be user definable, or can be in response to touchinput. Such an embodiment is useful for privacy modes of operation whenthe user wants information to be present only on portions of theelectronic device 2100 oriented towards or facing them.

While the above figures provide a few examples of how the firstappearance 2184 can be different from the second appearance 2194, itwill be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefitof this disclosure that other ways of configuring the first appearance2184 and the second appearance 2194 can be used as well. For example, inone embodiment the first appearance 2184 can be presenting informationwith a first magnification, while the second appearance 2194 can bepresenting information with a second magnification. The variousmagnification levels can, in one embodiment, be based upon a detecteddistance of users from the electronic device 2100. For example, when auser is a first distance from the electronic device 2100, and a friendis a second distance from the electronic device 2100, the controlcircuit can present information on the displays with differentmagnifications for easier readability.

In another embodiment, the first appearance 2184 comprises presentinginformation with a first luminous intensity while the second appearance2194 comprises presenting information with a second luminous intensity.In another embodiment, the first appearance 2184 comprises presentinginformation with a first backlighting intensity and the secondappearance 2194 comprises presenting information with a secondbacklighting intensity. In another embodiment, the first appearance 2184comprises presenting information with a first font, while the secondappearance 2194 comprises presenting information with a second font.

In other embodiments, the first appearance 2184 and second appearance2194 differ by non-visible output. The first appearance 2184 may be apresentation of images with sound, while the second appearance 2194comprises presenting images with no sound or images with closedcaptioning. These examples are illustrative only, as others will bereadily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure.

On the subject of touch-sensitive displays turning now to FIG. 26,illustrated therein are steps of a method for altering the presentationof an electronic device 2600 having both an orientation detector and atouch-sensitive display. As shown at step 2601, a control circuit of theelectronic device has prioritized display 2671 over display 2673 inresponse to a detected orientation of the electronic device 2600relative to the user. Accordingly, display 2671 has been configured witha first appearance 2684 that is different from a second appearance 2694present on display 2673.

As also shown at step 2601, a user is providing touch input 2681 todisplay 2671. At step 2602, the control circuit of the electronic device2600 alters the presentation of data on display 2671 in response to thetouch input 2681. In this illustrative embodiment, data present ondisplay 2671 has been rotated about the location at which the touchinput 2681 was received. Other options are available. For example, thecontrol circuit in another embodiment is configured to present datawithin a predefined region of the display about the touch input, therebyreducing the available area of the display suitable for presenting dataas was shown in FIG. 15 above. In another embodiment, the controlcircuit can be configured to actuate the other portions of the displaywhen the other portions of the display receive touch input. Otherfunctions that can occur in response to the touch input will be readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure.

In one embodiment, a user is able to employ touch input to change theprioritization of the various displays. Such a feature can be usefulwhen the user wants to show something to a friend or co-worker that isfacing them. The orientation detector may, for example, turn OFF adisplay facing away from the user. The user may then want to turn thatdisplay back ON to show pictures or other information to the friend.Steps for such a method are shown in FIG. 26.

Turning now to FIG. 26, illustrated therein are steps of another methodfor altering the presentation of an electronic device 2600 having bothan orientation detector and a touch-sensitive display. As shown at step2701, a control circuit of the electronic device has prioritized display2671 over display 2673 in response to a detected orientation of theelectronic device 2600 relative to the user. Accordingly, display 2671has been configured with a first appearance 2684 that is different froma second appearance 2694 present on display 2673.

As also shown at step 2701, a user is providing touch input 2781 todisplay 2671. In this embodiment, the control circuit of the electronicdevice is configured to change the prioritization of the displays inresponse to the touch input 2781. The change can be making display 2673have an equal priority with display 2173. Accordingly, the controlcircuit may leave the first appearance 2684 on display 2671 and thenchange the presentation appearing on display 2673. In this illustrativeembodiment, the control circuit is configured to reverse theprioritization such that display 2673 is prioritized above display 2671.Thus, as shown at step 2702, the control circuit has configured display2673 with a new appearance 2794. Display 2671 has been placed into anidle mode.

The change in prioritization need not be in response to touch input.Turning to FIG. 28, the change in prioritization can be in response to anewly detected orientation of the electronic device 2600 relative to theuser. The user may move their hand, move the electronic device 2600 fromone arm to the other, or swing an appendage toward another user suchthat the dominant orientation direction changes. At step 2801, thecontrol circuit detects a change in detected orientation. At step 2802,the control circuit accordingly changes the prioritization of thedisplays based upon the newly detected orientation 2876.

While FIGS. 17-20 illustrated method steps for use with a gaze detector,and FIGS. 21-28 illustrated method steps for use with an orientationdetector, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art havingthe benefit of this disclosure that the devices can be combined. Saiddifferently, the orientation detector can be combined with a gazedetector. For example, in one embodiment the orientation detectorcomprises a gaze detector operable to determine a detected gazedirection of the user. Where this is the case, the control circuit canbe operable to determine a gaze cone corresponding to the detected gazedirection as described above. The control circuit can further beconfigured to prioritize portions of the display disposed within thegaze cone as a more prioritized portions of the display and toprioritize other portions of the display disposed outside the gaze coneas less prioritized portions of the display.

As will be understood at this point, electronic devices configured inaccordance with embodiments of the invention are highly versatile infunction and appearance. Yet another feature possible with such anelectronic device is shown in FIG. 29.

Turning to FIG. 29, illustrated therein are steps of a method for yetanother way of altering the presentation of data on a display inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Beginning atstep 2901, a wearable electronic device 2900 includes a display 2971disposed along a major face of the wearable housing of the wearableelectronic device 2900. The wearable electronic device 2900 alsoincludes a communication circuit and a control circuit as describedabove.

In one embodiment, the communication circuit and control circuit areoperable to receive 2910 a display image 2911 from a remote source 2912.The display image 2911, in one embodiment, is a wallpaper or backgroundimage. The remote source 2912 can be a data network service provider, avendor of images, or another source. Once received, as shown at step2902, the control circuit can be configured to render the display image2911 as a background image 2913 on the display 2971. As shown at step2903, the control circuit can then be configured to present data 2974atop the background image 2913. The presentation of that data 2974 canbe in accordance with any of the method set forth above: touch input,detected gaze direction, a detected gaze cone, detected orientation, orcombinations thereof.

Turning to FIG. 30, the control circuit of the electronic device 2900can be configured to change the background image 2913 in response topredetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria can vary. One examplewas explained above, i.e., detection of a person's wardrobe. Theelectronic device 2900 can include an imager configured to captureimages of the clothing that the user is wearing. In another embodiment,the predetermined criteria can be the expiration of a timer. In anotherembodiment, the predetermined criteria can be a user's mood, which canbe detected by temperature or other sensors described above. In yetanother embodiment where the electronic device 2900 includes wellnesssensors, the predetermined criteria can be a detected health conditionof the user. Where the display 2971 is touch sensitive, thepredetermined criterion can be an object touching the touch sensitivedisplay. Regardless of which criterion or criteria is used, it isdetected at step 3001. When the predetermined condition is detected, thecontrol circuit can be configured to change the background image 2913.

Accordingly, at step 3002, the control circuit can be configured toreceive another display image 3011 from the remote source 2912. Forexample, where the predetermined criterion detected at step 3001 was thecolor of the user's clothes, the new display image 3011 can be an imagethat is complementary with the user's clothes. At step 3003, the controlcircuit can render the new display image 3011 as a new background image3013.

As mentioned above, in one or more embodiments the electronic devicesconfigured in accordance with embodiments of the invention can beconfigured with a secondary display coupled to the wearable housing by ahinged connection so as to be rotatable relative to the wearablehousing. Turning now to FIG. 31, illustrated therein are steps suitablefor a method associated with such a device.

Beginning at step 3101, a wearable electronic device 3100 includes awearable housing. A primary display 3171 is disposed along a major faceof the wearable housing. Where the primary display 3171 is a flexibledisplay, the primary display 3171 will bend and flex to alter itsphysical geometry as the wearable housing bends and flexes. Where theprimary display 3171 is a segmented display, or is made from discretedisplay devices, those devices can change physical relationshipsrelative to each other when the wearable housing flexes to a physicalgeometry of the primary display 3171 as the wearable housing bends orflexes.

The wearable electronic device 3100 also includes a secondary display3173 coupled to the wearable housing. In one embodiment, the secondarydisplay 3173 is coupled to the wearable housing by a hinged connectionso as to be rotatable relative to the wearable housing. The hingedconnection can be configured to allow the secondary display 3173 torotate between at least a first orientation relative to the wearablehousing, shown in step 3101, to a second, angularly displacedorientation relative to the wearable housing, shown in step 3102. Thisrotation can be in response to user action, e.g., the user spinning thesecondary display 3173 with a finger. Alternatively, the rotation can beassisted by a preloading device, or can be in response to a motor.

The first orientation and the second, angularly displaced orientationrelative to the wearable housing can be as shown in FIG. 31.Alternatively, these orientations can be different. For example, thetransition from the first orientation to second, angularly displacedorientation can be with a motion occurring parallel with the user'swrist in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 31. However, the transitionfrom the first orientation to second, angularly displaced orientationcan be with a motion occurring perpendicular with the user's wrist inanother embodiment, with the secondary display 3173 sticking “out” fromthe arm. Other motional directions will be obvious to those of ordinaryskill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The presentation of data on the displays can change when the secondarydisplay 3173 is rotated. In step 3101, the control circuit of thewearable electronic device 3100 is configured to display data withcontinuity between the primary display 3171 and the secondary display3173 when the secondary display 3173 is in a first orientation. Thefirst orientation shown in step 3101 is where the secondary display 3173is substantially parallel with the wearable housing of the wearableelectronic device 3100. Accordingly, in this embodiment the data 3174 ispresented with continuity across the two displays. This is achieved inthis embodiment by presenting “T DATA” on the primary display and“EXTUAL” on the secondary display 3173 such that the word “TEXTUAL DATA”is spelled across the displays.

When the secondary display rotates to the second, angularly displacedorientation in step 3102, the control circuit can leave the data 3174 ina continuity presentation, or it may change it to another presentation.For the former, at step 3012, the primary display 3171 may present “TEXDATA”, while the secondary display presents “TUAL” to provide continuityacross its (now shortened) axis running parallel to the wearablehousing.

However, in other embodiments, the control circuit is configured tochange from a continuous display to a discontinuous display when thesecondary display 3173 is rotated. This is shown in FIG. 31 at step3103. Rather than providing continuous data that runs from display todisplay, the data 3175 of step 3103 is discontinuous. This isgraphically illustrated with the word “TEXTUAL” being presentedsubstantially orthogonal with the word “DATA.” The discontinuouspresentation can take other forms, however. As an illustration, the datapresent on the primary display 2171 may be a stock quote and news abouta company, while the data present on the secondary display 2173 is achart of the stock's performance. Other examples will be readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure.

Turning now to FIGS. 32-34, illustrated therein are various ways thatthe hinged connection between the primary display and the secondarydisplay can be configured. Beginning with FIG. 32, the hinged connection3200 of this embodiment comprises a hinge 3201 and a tensioning device3202. The tensioning device 3202 can be a spring or other deviceconfigured to bias the hinge 3201 toward a particular direction ororientation, or a device that pre-loads the hinge 3201 to open in aparticular direction. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 32, thehinged connection 3200 is preloaded with the tensioning device 3202 suchthat the secondary display 3173 is configured to open a firstorientation 3203 to the second, angularly displaced orientation 3204.The tensioning device 3202 does this by applying a biasing force 3205 tothe secondary display 3173. Accordingly, when the secondary display 3173is in the first orientation 3203, the hinged connection 3200 ispreloaded with the tensioning device 3202.

Turning to FIG. 33, in this embodiment the hinged connection 3300includes not only the hinge 3201 and tensioning device 3202, but also aretention device 3301 configured to oppose preloading of the tensioningdevice 3202 to retain the secondary display 3173 in the firstorientation 3203. The retention device 3301 can be a magnetic coupling,a snap, a mechanical protrusion/detent configuration, or other devicethat holds the secondary display 3173 in the first orientation 3203.Once the user overcomes the retaining force of the retention device3301, the tensioning device 3302 can open the secondary display 3173 tothe second, angularly displaced orientation 3204.

Turning to FIG. 34, in this embodiment the hinged connection 3400includes a hinge 3401 and a motor 3402. The motor 3402 can be operableto automatically open the secondary display 3173 from the firstorientation 3203 to the second, angularly displaced orientation 3204.The motor 3402 may be responsive to a user. For example, the user maytouch the secondary display 3173 in one embodiment to actuate the motor3402. In other embodiments, the motor 3402 can be responsive to a deviceevent, such as an incoming telephone call, incoming text message,incoming multimedia message, or other incoming data. When suchinformation is received, to provide a mechanical alert to the user, themotor 3402 can be configured to at least partially rotate the secondarydisplay 3173 towards the second, angularly displaced orientation 3204.

Many methods and apparatuses for controlling electronic devicesconfigured in accordance with embodiments of the invention have beendescribed above. However, there are still more. As noted above, in oneembodiment of a wearable electronic device the wearable housing isflexible. As the wearable housing is active in some embodiments, i.e.,as it includes a control circuit capable of working with sensors andexecuting method steps, the physical configuration of the wearablehousing can be used as an input. This input can be used in conjunctionwith the gaze detecting controls, orientation detecting controls, ortouch sensing controls described above.

Turning to FIG. 35, illustrated therein is another wearable electronicdevice 3500 configured in accordance with embodiments of the invention.The illustrative wearable electronic device 3500 is shown being placedon a table 3500 in two physical configurations 3501,3502. Physicalconfiguration 3501 shows the wearable electronic device 3500 with itswearable housing elongated, while physical configuration 3502 shows thewearable electronic device 3500 with its wearable housing enfolded, asit might be when enfolded about the appendage of a wearer. The physicalorientation of the wearable electronic device can be used to control theoperational mode of the wearable electronic device 3500 in someembodiments.

In physical configuration 3501, the wearable electronic device 3500 isin a first operational mode 3504. An example of the operational mode3504 is that of an alarm clock. This operational mode 3504 might bepreferred, for example, when the wearable electronic device 3500 isplaced on a nightstand in the evening.

In physical configuration 3502, the wearable electronic device 3500 isin a second operational mode 3505. An example of a second operationalmode 3505 is that of a health monitoring mode. This operational mode3505 might be preferred, for example, when a user is wearing thewearable electronic device 3500 about an appendage. These examples ofoperational modes are illustrative only, as others will be readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure. As shown in FIG. 35, a control circuit of the wearableelectronic device 3500 can configure the display 3573 in the secondoperational mode 3505 when the flexible housing is enfolded about theappendage of the user, and configure the display 3573 in the firstoperational mode 3504 when the flexible housing is elongated.

Turning now to FIG. 36, illustrated therein is an alternate embodimentof a wearable electronic device 3600 configured in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the invention. The explanatory electronic device3600 of FIG. 36 is configured as a wearable device. In FIG. 36, theelectronic device 3600 includes an electronic module 3601 and a strap3602 that are coupled together to form a wrist wearable device. Theillustrative electronic device 3600 of FIG. 36 has a touch sensitivedisplay 3603 that forms a user input operable to detect gesture or touchinput, and a control circuit operable with the touch sensitive display3603.

In one embodiment the electronic device 3600 includes a mobilecommunication circuit, and thus forms a voice or data communicationdevice, such as a smart phone. Other communication features can beadded, including a near field communication circuit for communicatingwith other electronic devices, as will be shown in FIG. 39 below.Infrared sensors can be provided for detecting gesture input when theuser is not “in contact” with the touch sensitive display 3603. One ormore microphones can be included for detecting voice or other audibleinput. The electronic device 3600 of FIG. 36 has an efficient, compactdesign with a simple user interface configured for efficient operationwith one hand (which is advantageous when the electronic device 3600 isworn on the wrist).

In one or more embodiments, in addition to the touch sensitive inputfunctions offered by the touch sensitive display 3603, the electronicdevice 3600 can be equipped with an accelerometer, disposed eitherwithin the electronic module 3601 or the active strap 3602, which isoperable with the control circuit for detecting movement. Such a motiondetector can also be used as a gesture detection device. Accordingly,when the electronic device 3600 is worn on a wrist, the user can makegesture commands by moving the arm in predefined motions. Additionally,the user can deliver voice commands to the electronic device 3600 viathe microphones (where included).

When the touch sensitive display 3603 is configured with a moreconventional touch sensor, such as a capacitive sensor havingtransparent electrodes disposed across the surface of the touchsensitive display 3603, control input can be entered with complexgestures. For instance, in some embodiments a single swiping actionacross the surface of the touch sensitive display 3603 can be used toscroll through lists or images being presented on the touch sensitivedisplay 3603.

The control circuit of the electronic device 3600 can be configured toexecute a number of various functions. In one embodiment, the controlcircuit is configured to actuate an output device when the electronicdevice 3600 detects a gesture input received from a user. The gestureinput may be detected from contact or motions of a finger or stylusacross the touch-sensitive display 3603. In another embodiment, gestureinput may be detected from reflections of infrared signals from infraredsensors while the user is making gestures in close proximity to theelectronic device 3600. Where the user interface comprises a camera, thegesture input may be detected by capturing successive images of a usermaking a gesture.

In one embodiment, the electronic device 3600 includes one or moremicrophones to receive voice input, voice commands, and other audioinput. In one embodiment, a single microphone can be used. Optionally,two or more microphones can be included to detect directions from whichvoice input is being received. For example a first microphone can belocated on a first side of the electronic device 3600 for receivingaudio input from a first direction. Similarly, a second microphone canbe placed on a second side of the electronic device 3600 for receivingaudio input from a second direction. The control circuit can then selectbetween the first microphone and the second microphone to detect userinput.

In yet another embodiment, gesture input is detected by light. Theelectronic device 3600 can include a light sensor configured to detectchanges in optical intensity, color, light, or shadow in the nearvicinity of the electronic device. The light sensor can be configured asa camera or image-sensing device that captures successive images aboutthe device and compares luminous intensity, color, or other spatialvariations between images to detect motion or the presence of an objectnear the user interface. Such sensors can be useful in detecting gestureinput when the user is not touching the overall device. In anotherembodiment, an infrared sensor can be used in conjunction with, or inplace of, the light sensor. The infrared sensor can be configured tooperate in a similar manner, but on the basis of infrared radiationrather than visible light. The light sensor and/or infrared sensor canbe used to detect gesture commands.

Motion detection devices can also be included to detect gesture input.In one embodiment, an accelerometer can be included to detect motion ofthe electronic device. The accelerometer can also be used to determinethe spatial orientation of the electronic device in three-dimensionalspace by detecting a gravitational direction. In addition to, or insteadof, the accelerometer, an electronic compass can be included to detectthe spatial orientation of the electronic device relative to the earth'smagnetic field. Similarly, the motion detection devices can include oneor more gyroscopes to detect rotational motion of the electronic device.The gyroscope can be used to determine the spatial rotation of theelectronic device in three-dimensional space. Each of the motiondetection devices can be used to detect gesture input.

An audio output can be included to provide aural feedback to the user.For example, one or more loudspeakers can be included to deliver soundsand tones. A motion generation device can be included for providinghaptic feedback to a user. For example, a piezoelectric transducer orother electromechanical device can be configured to impart a force uponthe wearable electronic device 3600 to provide a thump, bump, vibration,or other physical sensation to the user.

In one embodiment, the electronic module 3601 can be selectivelydetached from the active strap 3602 so as to be used as a stand aloneelectronic device. For example, the electronic module 3601 can bedetached from the active strap 3602 and worn on a jacket. In thisillustrative embodiment, both the active strap 3602 and the electronicmodule 3601 are “active” devices that include a power source andelectronic circuitry and/or hardware. Active devices can include controlcircuits or processors as well.

In one or more embodiments, the electronic module 3601 can be detachedfrom the active strap 3602 so that it can be coupled with, or cancommunicate or interface with, other devices. For example, where theelectronic module 3601 includes wide area network communicationcapabilities, such as cellular communication capabilities, theelectronic module 3601 may be coupled to a folio or docking device tointerface with a tablet-style computer. In this configuration, theelectronic module 3601 can be configured to function as a modem orcommunication device for the tablet-style computer. In such anapplication, a user may leverage the large screen of the tablet-stylecomputer with the computing functionality of the electronic module 3601,thereby creating device-to-device experiences for telephony, messaging,or other applications. The detachable nature of the electronic module3601 serves to expand the number of experience horizons for the user.

Turning now to FIG. 37, illustrated are some of the components that canbe included with the electronic module 3601 of FIG. 36. It will be clearto those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thisdisclosure that the components and modules can be used in differentcombinations, with some components and modules included and othersomitted. For altering the presentation orientation of visual outputpresented on the display 3771, such as in response to a gaze detector ororientation detector as described above, the components of the displaysystem can include a control circuit 3701 and the display 3771. Theother components or modules can be included or excluded based upon needor application.

The control circuit 3701 is operable with the display 3771. The controlcircuit 3701 can be operable with a memory 3702. The control circuit3701, which may be any of one or more microprocessors, programmablelogic, application specific integrated circuit device, or other similardevice, is capable of executing program instructions and methodsdescribed herein. The program instructions and methods may be storedeither on-board in the control circuit 3701, or in the memory 3702, orin other computer readable media coupled to the control circuit 3701.The control circuit 3701 can be configured to operate the variousfunctions of the electronic module 3601, and also to execute software orfirmware applications and modules that can be stored in a computerreadable medium, such as memory 3702. The control circuit 3701 executesthis software or firmware, in part, to provide device functionality. Thememory 3702 may include either or both static and dynamic memorycomponents, may be used for storing both embedded code and user data.One suitable example for control circuit 3701 is the MSM7630 processormanufactured by Qualcomm, Inc. The control circuit 7301 may operate oneor more operating systems, such as the Android™ mobile operating systemoffered by Google, Inc. In one embodiment, the memory 3702 comprises an8-gigabyte embedded multi-media card (eMMC).

The control circuit 3701 can be configured to alter an operating mode ofthe electronic module to one of a plurality of functional modes. Thesefunctional modes can include a desktop mode, a telephone mode, awristwatch mode, a health monitoring mode, a clock mode, a calendarmode, a gaming mode, or a media player mode. In one embodiment, thecontrol circuit 3701 selects an operational mode from these functionalmodes by detecting an angularly displaced orientation of a firstelectronic module extension 3707, the second electronic module extension3708, or combinations thereof, each of which can be pivotally attachedto the electronic module 3601.

The display 3771 is configured to provide visual output, images, orother visible indicia to a user. In one embodiment, the display 3771comprises a 1.6 inch organic light emitting diode (OLED) device. In oneembodiment, the display 3771 comprises a touch sensor 3712 to form touchsensitive display configured to receive user input across the surface ofthe display 3771. The display 3771 can also be configured with a forcesensor 3710. Where configured with both a touch sensor 3712 and forcesensor 3710, the control circuit 3701 can determine not only where theuser contacts the display 3771, but also how much force the user employsin contacting the display 3771. Where configured with a force sensor3710 but no touch sensitive capabilities, the display 3771 can be usedas a large “push button” or input control for the electronic module13601. In one embodiment, the outer lens of the display 3771 can beconfigured with piezoelectric sensors 3715 or other actuators to be usedas both an input device and an acoustic transducer.

The touch sensor 3712 can include a capacitive touch sensor, an infraredtouch sensor, or another touch-sensitive technology. Capacitivetouch-sensitive devices include a plurality of capacitive sensors, e.g.,electrodes, which are disposed along a substrate. Each capacitive sensoris configured, in conjunction with associated control circuitry, e.g.,control circuit 3701 or another display specific control circuit, todetect an object in close proximity with—or touching—the surface of thedisplay 3771 or the housing of the electronic module 3601 byestablishing electric field lines between pairs of capacitive sensorsand then detecting perturbations of those field lines. The electricfield lines can be established in accordance with a periodic waveform,such as a square wave, sine wave, triangle wave, or other periodicwaveform that is emitted by one sensor and detected by another. Thecapacitive sensors can be formed, for example, by disposing indium tinoxide patterned as electrodes on the substrate. Indium tin oxide isuseful for such systems because it is transparent and conductive.Further, it is capable of being deposited in thin layers by way of aprinting process. The capacitive sensors may also be deposited on thesubstrate by electron beam evaporation, physical vapor deposition, orother various sputter deposition techniques.

The force sensor 3710 can take various forms. For example, in oneembodiment, the force sensor 3710 comprises resistive switches or aforce switch array configured to detect contact with either the display3771 or the housing of the electronic module 3601. The array ofresistive switches can function as a force-sensing layer, in that whencontact is made with either the surface of the display 3771 or thehousing of the electronic module 3601, changes in impedance of any ofthe switches may be detected. The array of switches may be any ofresistance sensing switches, membrane switches, force-sensing switchessuch as piezoelectric switches, or other equivalent types of technology.In another embodiment, the force sensor 3710 can be capacitive. In yetanother embodiment, piezoelectric sensors 3715 can be configured tosense force as well. For example, where coupled with the lens of thedisplay 3771, the piezoelectric sensors 3715 can be configured to detectan amount of displacement of the lens to determine force. Thepiezoelectric sensors 3715 can also be configured to determine force ofcontact against the housing of the electronic module 3601 rather thanthe display 3771.

A mobile communication circuit 3713 can be included to provide wide areacommunication capabilities. Where included, the mobile communicationcircuit 3713 is operable with the control circuit 3701, and is used tofacilitate electronic communication with various networks, such ascellular networks, data networks, or the Internet. Note that it ispossible to combine the control circuit 3701, the memory 3702, and themobile communication circuit 7303 into a single device or into deviceshaving fewer parts while retaining the functionality of the constituentparts.

The mobile communication circuit 7313, which may be one of a receiver ortransmitter, and may alternatively be a transceiver, operates inconjunction with the control circuit 3701 to electronically communicatethrough a communication network. For example, in one embodiment, themobile communication circuit 3713 can configured to communicate througha traditional cellular network, such as a Code Division Multiple Access(CDMA) network or Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) network.Other examples of networks with which the communication circuit maycommunicate include Push-to-Talk (PTT) networks, proprietary networks,dual band CDMA networks, or Dual Band Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS) networks, and direct communicationnetworks. The mobile communication circuit 3713 can be configured toprovide messaging functionality to the electronic module 3601. In one ormore embodiments, the detachable electronic module can communicate withone or more social networking applications through the mobilecommunication circuit 3713 as well. News feeds and other data can bereceived through the mobile communication circuit 3713. Moreover,context and location sensitive notifications can be sent and receivedvia the mobile communication circuit 3713.

A battery 3704 or other energy source can be included to provide powerfor the various components of the electronic module 3601. While abattery 3704 is shown in FIG. 37, it will be obvious to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure thatother energy storage deices can be used instead of the battery 3704,including a fuel container or an electrochemical capacitor. The battery3704 can include a lithium ion cell or a nickel metal hydride cell, suchcells having reasonably large energy capacity, wide operatingtemperature range, large number of charging cycles, and long usefullife. The battery 3704 may also include over voltage and over currentprotection and charging circuitry. In one embodiment, the electronicmodule 3601 includes two batteries, with a battery being stored in eachof the electronic module extensions 3707,3708. In one embodiment, thebattery 3704 is configured as an 800 mAh lithium polymer cell.

One or more microphones 3705 can be included to receive voice input,voice commands, and other audio input. A single microphone can beincluded. Optionally, two or more microphones can be included forselective beam steering. For example a first microphone can be locatedon a first side 3730 of the electronic module 3601 for receiving audioinput from a first direction 3732. Similarly, a second microphone can beplaced on a second side 3733 of the electronic module 3601 for receivingaudio input from a second direction 3731. As described above, aninfrared sensor 3714, light sensor 3706, or other sensor can be used asan orientation detector configured to detect a direction in which a useris located. The control circuit 3701 can then select between the firstmicrophone and the second microphone to beam steer audio receptiontoward the user. Alternatively, the control circuit 3701 processes andcombines the signals from two or more microphones to perform beamsteering. The one or more microphones 3705 can be used for voicecommands. When altering the presentation orientation of informationpresented on the display, the one or more microphones 3705 can beconfigured to be responsive to the control circuit 3701. Accordingly,the control circuit 3701 can switch between microphones upon alteringthe presentation orientation in response to the user input.

A light sensor 3706 is configured to detect changes in opticalintensity, color, light, or shadow in the near vicinity of theelectronic module 3601. For example, the light sensor 3706 can beconfigured as an image sensing device that captures successive imagesabout the device and compares luminous intensity, color, or otherspatial variations between images to detect motion or the presence of anobject near the electronic module 3601. Such sensors can be useful indetermining at which side of the electronic module 3601 a user isstanding. An infrared sensor 3714 can be used in conjunction with, or inplace of, the light sensor 3706. The infrared sensor 3714 can beconfigured to operate in a similar manner, but on the basis of infraredradiation rather than visible light. The light sensor 3706 and/orinfrared sensor 3714 can be as an orientation detector as describedabove.

A near field communication circuit 3777 can be included forcommunication with local area networks. Examples of suitable near fieldcommunication circuits include Bluetooth communication circuits, IEEE801.11 communication circuits, infrared communication circuits, magneticfield modulation circuits, and Wi-Fi circuits.

A global positioning system device 3778 can be included for determiningwhere the electronic module 3601 is located. (Note that the globalpositioning system device 3778 can also be used to determine the spatialorientation of the electronic module 3601 in three-dimensional space bydetermining the change in position of the device relative to the earth.)The global positioning system device 3778 is configured forcommunicating with a constellation of earth orbiting satellites or anetwork of terrestrial base stations to determine an approximatelocation. Examples of satellite positioning systems suitable for usewith embodiments of the present invention include, among others, theNavigation System with Time and Range (NAVSTAR) Global PositioningSystems (GPS) in the United States of America, the Global OrbitingNavigation System (GLONASS) in Russia, and other similar satellitepositioning systems. The satellite positioning systems based locationfixes of the global positioning system device 308 autonomously or withassistance from terrestrial base stations, for example with assistancefrom a cellular communication network or other ground based network, oras part of a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), as is wellknown by those having ordinary skill in the art. While a globalpositioning system device 3778 is one example of a locationdetermination module, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in theart having the benefit of this disclosure that other locationdetermination devices, such as electronic compasses or gyroscopes, couldbe used as well.

A user interface 3709 can be included. As noted above, in oneembodiment, the display 3771 is configured as a touch sensitive display,and accordingly functions as a user interface in and of itself. However,some applications will be better served with additional user interfacecomponents as well. The user interface 3709, where included, can beoperable with the control circuit 3701 to deliver information to, andreceive information from, a user. The user interface 3709 can include akeypad 3735, navigation devices, joysticks, rocker switches, sliderpads, buttons, or other controls, and optionally a voice or touchcommand interface. These various components can be integrated together.

In one or more embodiments, the lens of the display 3771 can beconfigured as a lens transducer 3711 to deliver audio output to a user.Piezoelectric transducers can be operably disposed with a lens of thedisplay 3771. Actuation of the piezoelectric transducers can cause thelens of the display 3771 to vibrate, thereby emitting acoustic output.

An accelerometer 3703 can be included to detect motion of the electronicmodule 3601. The accelerometer 3703 can also be used to determine thespatial orientation of the electronic module 3601 in three-dimensionalspace by detecting a gravitational direction. In addition to, or insteadof, the accelerometer 3703, an electronic compass can be included todetect the spatial orientation of the electronic module 3601 relative tothe earth's magnetic field. Similarly, one or more gyroscopes can beincluded to detect rotational motion of the electronic module 3601. Thegyroscope can be used to determine the spatial rotation of theelectronic module 3601 in three-dimensional space.

Where the electronic module 3601 is configured as a wellness device, oris capable of operating in a health monitoring mode or physical safetydevice, one or more wellness sensors 3734 can be included as well. Forexample, a heart monitor 3716 can be configured to employ EKG or othersensors to monitor a user's heart rate. The heart monitor 3716 caninclude electrodes configured to determine action potentials from theskin of a user. A temperature monitor 3717 can be configured to monitorthe temperature of a user. A pulse monitor 3718 can be configured tomonitor the user's pulse. The pulse monitor 3718 lends itself to thewristwatch configuration of the electronic device 3600 because the wristserves as an advantageous location from which to measure a person'spulse.

A moisture detector 3719 can be configured to detect the amount ofmoisture present on a person's skin. The moisture detector 3719 can berealized in the form of an impedance sensor that measures impedancebetween electrodes. As moisture can be due to external conditions, e.g.,rain, or user conditions, perspiration, the moisture detector 3719 canfunction in tandem with ISFETS configured to measure pH or amounts ofNaOH in the moisture or a galvanic sensor 3720 to determine not only theamount of moisture, but whether the moisture is due to external factors,perspiration, or combinations thereof.

The medical history of a user, as well as the determinations made by thevarious wellness sensors 3734, can be stored in a medical profile 3721.Periodic updates can be made to the medical profile 3721 as well. Themedical profile 3721 can be a module operable with the control circuit3701. Such modules can be configured as sets of instructions stored inthe memory 3702 that are usable by the control circuit 3701 to executethe various wellness monitoring functions of the electronic module 3601.Alternatively, the modules could be configured in hardware, such asthrough programmable logic. The wellness sensors 3734 shown in FIG. 37are illustrative only. Embodiments of the present invention may usevarious combinations of wellness sensors 3734, including subsets of thewellness sensors 3734 shown in FIG. 37. Further, other modules may beadded to further increase device functionality. The wellness sensors3734 can be used to provide the user with a sensor-based health andwellness data assessment. The wellness sensors 3734 can be used inconjunction with the medical profile 3721 to provide context sensitiverecommendations on the display 3771.

Turning now to FIG. 38, illustrated therein is a user 3800 deliveringgesture input 3802 to a wearable electronic device 3801. Recall fromFIGS. 15, 18-19, and 26-27 that touch input can be used in conjunctionwith both gaze detectors and orientation detectors. Where the wearableelectronic device 3801 is configured to receive gesture input 3802, thegesture input 3802 can be used in conjunction with, or instead of, thetouch input described above to perform the touch input functions setforth above.

Turning now to FIG. 39, illustrated therein is another feature that canbe achieved when the wearable electronic device 3801 is configured toreceive gesture input 3902. As shown in FIG. 39, a user 3800 is makinggesture input 3902 to control the device. Gaze input and orientationinput, described in detail above, can also be used as control inputs.

In FIG. 39, the wearable electronic device 3900 is in communication witha remote electronic device 3901. The wearable electronic device canaccordingly use gesture input 3902, gaze input, or orientation detectioninput to control the remote electronic device 3901. For example, theuser 3800 can employ gaze input, orientation input, and gesture input3902 to control a presentation occurring on the remote electronic device3901 using the wearable electronic device 3801. The wearable electronicdevice 3801, which includes near field communication circuitry capableof sending one or more control signals 3903 corresponding to the gaze,orientation, or gesture input to the remote electronic device 3901,allows the user to control the remote electronic device 3901 with a meregaze. Where the remote electronic device 3901 is a projection screencapable of being viewed by an audience, the user can simply gaze uponthe wearable electronic device 3801 to “magically” control imagesprojected on the remote electronic device 3901.

Turning now to FIG. 40, illustrated therein are two wearable electronicdevices 3801,4001, each including near field communication circuitrycapable of sending one or more control signals to the other wearabledevice. As they are being worn on the same appendage of a user, they cancommunicate to intelligently expand the available display area. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 40, display 3871 of wearable electronic device3801 is being used with display 4071 of wearable electronic device 4001to form a “common” display. In addition to providing a common display,the wearable electronic devices 3801,4001 can communicate in other waysas well. For example, in one embodiment they can preclude presenting thesame information on their displays. In another embodiment, they canextend the information so that the data flows from one display toanother.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the artappreciates that various modifications and changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention as set forth in theclaims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the invention havebeen illustrated and described, it is clear that the invention is not solimited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, andequivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by thefollowing claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofpresent invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, andany element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution tooccur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical,required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims.The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including anyamendments made during the pendency of this application and allequivalents of those claims as issued.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable electronic device, comprising: aflexible housing configured to enfold about an appendage of a user; adisplay disposed along a major face of the flexible housing; anorientation detector; and a control circuit, operable with the displayand the orientation detector, and configured to prioritize one or moreportions of the display in response to a detected orientation of thewearable electronic device relative to the user.
 2. The wearableelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is operable toconfigure a more prioritized portion of the display with a firstappearance and a less prioritized portion of the display with a secondappearance.
 3. The wearable electronic device of claim 2, wherein thefirst appearance and the second appearance are different.
 4. Thewearable electronic device of claim 3, wherein the first appearancecomprises the more prioritized portion of the display being ON.
 5. Thewearable electronic device of claim 3, wherein the second appearancecomprises the less prioritized portion of the display being in a lowpower, sleep, or OFF mode.
 6. The wearable electronic device of claim 3,wherein the first appearance corresponds to a first operational mode ofthe wearable electronic device, while the second appearance correspondsto a second operational mode of the wearable electronic device.
 7. Thewearable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the orientation detectorcomprises a gaze detector operable to determine a detected gazedirection of the user.
 8. The wearable electronic device of claim 7,wherein the control circuit is operable to determine a gaze conecorresponding to the detected gaze direction and to prioritize portionsof the display disposed within the gaze cone as a more prioritizedportions of the display and to prioritize other portions of the displaydisposed outside the gaze cone as less prioritized portions of thedisplay.
 9. The wearable electronic device of claim 8, wherein thecontrol circuit is operable to present data only in the more prioritizedportions of the display.
 10. The wearable electronic device of claim 1,wherein the display comprises a segmented display comprising a pluralityof individual display devices.
 11. The wearable electronic device ofclaim 10, wherein a more prioritized portion of the display comprises afirst display device of the segmented display, and a less prioritizedportion of the display comprises at least a second display device. 12.The wearable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the display comprisesa touch sensitive display, wherein the control circuit, upon receivingtouch input, is operable to present data within a predefined region ofthe display about the touch input.
 13. The wearable electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the orientation detector comprises one of anaccelerometer, an audio sensor, an infrared sensor, a thermal sensor, agyroscope, an imager, or combinations thereof.
 14. The wearableelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the appendage comprises a wrist,wherein radially disposed portions of the display are prioritized aboveulnarly disposed portions of the display.
 15. A wearable electronicdevice, comprising: a wearable housing; a display disposed along a majorface of the wearable housing; an orientation detector; and a controlcircuit, operable with the display and the orientation detector, andconfigured to: activate one or more portions of the display in responseto a detected orientation; and deactivate other portions of the displayin response to the detected orientation.
 16. The wearable electronicdevice of claim 15, wherein the one or more portions of the displaycomprise a first display device and the other portions of the displaycomprise a second display device that is separate and distinct from thefirst display device.
 17. The wearable electronic device of claim 15,wherein the control circuit is operable to alter a presentation of dataon the one or more portions of the display in response to the detectedorientation.
 18. The wearable electronic device of claim 15, wherein thedisplay comprises a touch sensitive display, wherein the control circuitis further configured to actuate the other portions of the display whenthe other portions of the display receive touch input.
 19. A method forcontrolling a display in a wearable electronic device, comprising:detect to which side of the wearable electronic device a user isdisposed; and actuate portions of the display facing the user.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, further comprising deactuating portions of thedisplay facing away from the user.